International renters
Where should I stay for my first few nights in the US?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Book something short, refundable and close to campus or work: your university's temporary or early-arrival housing if it offers it, a hotel, a hostel, or a homestay with a local family. Plan for one to two weeks so you can open a bank account, get a phone number and see apartments in person.
Your first days are busy, and a temporary address makes them easier. You will be setting up a phone, a bank account and possibly a job or school ID, and you can look at rooms in person instead of trusting photos.
- University temporary housing: some schools offer short stays in residence halls before orientation. Ask early, because spots are limited.
- Homestays: a room in a local family's home, often arranged through the school or a homestay program. Good if you want help settling in.
- Hotels and hostels near campus: flexible, but prices jump around move-in weekends and graduation, so book as soon as you know your dates.
- Friends or your country's student association: current students often host newcomers for a few nights.
Check how you will get from the airport to your first address, especially if you land late at night, and have the address written down offline. Longer stays of several weeks while you search are covered under moving to a new city.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting as an International Student.